Camping and Sustainability

Get into the great outdoors with a sustainable mindset! 

Planning a camping trip this summer? Woo-hoo! There’s nothing better than time spent outdoors with those you love – or independently! 

For many of us, we value the places we get to visit and want to keep them as intact and healthy as possible. Honouring the land you are visiting can be done in many ways. One of the best places to start is knowing the traditional names of the unceded, traditional territories you will be visiting! Native-Land.ca is a great resource and starting point in learning more about this. 

Here are some of our ideas for a friendly-to-nature camping trip. 

Try to Keep Skincare Simple! 

Bring only what you need

• A cleanser, moisturizer, and sunblock should keep your skin clean & nourished while camping. You might want to add a toner or other specialized products to your bag if it’s important for your daily routine, but don’t be afraid to keep it as simple as possible and let nature nourish your skin! 

Washing your face 

• Bring a small washcloth or reusable cotton pad to use for a quick face wash! Our Honey Face Wash contains all-natural, reef-safe ingredients so you don’t need to worry about what’s going into the land or water! 

• For an easy-to-use cleaning cloth, we love these soft & reusable pads from Oko Creations! 

SUNBLOCK!

• A good sunblock should protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.  Pick a sunblock you know works for you – and be mindful of some important ingredients in sunblock that you can read more about in our blog here! 

• Don’t forget to reapply your sunblock every 2-3 hours OR after swimming or sweating!

• Our Summer Zinc Cream 20% is perfect for a day outdoors, with titanium zinc-oxide and shea butter! 

More skincare tips 

• A good Salve can help keep your facial hair clean & smooth–we love the Original Pine Salve from Saperior!  

• If you don’t like having itchy bites all over your skin, it might be a good idea to bring something to keep those pests away. Our new Citronella+ Spray is an all-natural spray with citronella, eucalyptus and fir essential oils! 

Try our new Camping Kit on special through July and August 2021! It contains the Citronella+ Spray, Bite be Gone essential oil roll-on, as well as the option to add the new Outdoor Candle, in collaboration with Milk Jar Candle Co! 

Cooking & Cleaning Tips 

When planning, try to minimize packaging

• Most of us love a quick, easy meal when we’re camping, but that can often come with a lot of unnecessary packaging. When planning your meals, try to source foods that come with less packaging – whether that’s at zero waste or bulk refill stores, at your local farmers market or butcher & deli, or simply reducing waste at home before packing up your cooler. 

Pre-wash & cut your veggies! 

• Chop up your favourite veggies and put them in a reusable container. You’ll save time and space separating snacks and recycling. 

• Using reusable containers for food also makes it easier to avoid waste, since you can easily bring home whatever you don’t eat. 

Be mindful of “biodegradable” vs “compostable” products.

• Whether it’s in your skincare, dishwashing products, or other camping bag gear, it can be important to distinguish these two so you know how to properly dispose of any ‘greywater’ or wastewater from cleaning outdoors. 

• Biodegradable may contain unnatural products that still take longer to break down or do not fully breakdown in the natural environment. 

• Compostable items contain all-natural ingredients that are able to break down more quickly in a natural environment. 

Bring clear recycling bags so people know what belongs in which bag! 

• Pack-in, pack-out! Sometimes it’s just easier when it's more visible, and a clear bag for both your garbage and recycling does just that. 

• It’s helpful to bring a couple of compost bags to separate your food waste, too! 

Dishes & dishwashing

• If you’re in the backcountry, a simple setup is best for ease of cleaning. Some people opt to bring only a pot & spoon, doing all their cooking and eating out of one bowl. Others may bring a few extra bowls & utensils, but the point here is that reusable cookware & eating ware is best! 

• Keep our natural water sources clean when you’re cleaning your dishes by staying at least 70m away! Read more on disposing of waste via Leave No Trace Canada! 

More Sustainable Camping Tips & Tricks 

H2O! 

• An affordable refillable, reusable water storage option is a lot more sustainable than opting for single-use water bottles. 

Rope! 

• You can’t have enough of it. Use it to hang up your food bag, set up a quick rain tarp, peg a tent in a pinch, and so much more. 

And of course, the Camping Bag!

Have your camping essentials in a compact bag or bin for easy grab & go when you’re hitting the road. Buying used at thrift stores or from your community members is a great way to keep it local. Our favourite camp kit essentials include…. 

• Tent, Sleeping bag & Travel pillow 

• Rope, tarp & extra pegs 

• Quick fire starting kit (e.g. a lighter, and these great new Fire Starter kits from Abeego!)

• Sunblock and something for the bugs! Miiko’s Camping Kit has a Citronella+ Spray, Bite be Gone essential oil roll-on, and optional Outdoor Candle! 

• A simple cooking setup - a stove and easy-to-clean pot and spoon 

If you plan to visit the nearby town or city where you’ll be staying, try to connect with the land itself, and check out and support locals.  We know first-hand how great it is to meet a new face that is excited to support you! 

Don’t forget those sunnies, your hat, and a big (BIG!) water bottle!

Simplicity in camping lets you spend more time really enjoying the great outdoors, while keeping the land around you intact for future generations to enjoy.  What are your best tips & tricks for a sustainable camping trip?! What land are you visiting this summer? We’d love to hear from you! 

About the Author: Tasha  

Favourite Spot on the Island: Strathcona Park, the traditional and unceded territory of the Mowachaht and Muchalaht of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation. 

Favourite Meal to Pack: Sandwiches!! Make them the morning before we head out exploring along with some fresh veggies for an easy picnic wherever I end up! 

Favourite Outdoor Hobby: Always a lake day! Swimming, fishing, birdwatching, kayaking. 

Miiko Outdoor Must-Haves: LOVE the Citronella+ Spray and the Bite be Gone essential oil roll-on for the woods and by water!